BSNL to set up 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in rural areas

As the Centre has set a target to complete the fibre optic laying work in one lakh villages by June 30, the Minister of State (I/C) Telecom and Railways Manoj Sinha has hinted stern action against underperforming officials.

Asking BSNL officials to pull up their socks to meet the target, Sinha said, "We have to meet the target by June 30 and no excuse for the delay would be accepted. Earlier there were the issues of unavailability of fibre optic, but now it's available in abundance. Those who complete their target much in advance may help others to get the work done as it's the work of BSNL in totality."

Announcing a plan of public telecom service provider, Sinha said, "The BNSL would set up 25,000 Wif-Fi hotspots at rural exchanges across the country under the Digital India initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The setting up of 25,000 Wi-Fi hotspots would be funded from USO fund and the government would provide technical support to the tune of Rs 942 crore for the project."